W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Lake Forest, Illinois – July 2, 2011 – Cavoure Advisors is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph C. High to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at W.W. Grainger, Inc.  High will report directly to Jim Ryan, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.

Most recently, Mr. High was Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Owens Corning, a $5 billion manufacturer of building products and specialty materials. Owens Corning has over 18,000 employees and is active in more than 25 countries.  Prior to that role, Joseph led the human resources function for ConocoPhillips, an $80 billion integrated energy producer.   

Mr. High has a diverse experience base in human resources and has worked in a variety of highly global industries and different corporate cultures.  Joseph’s career has included human resources roles of increasing responsibility with Union Carbide, Rockwell Automation, Cummins Engine Company, and TRW.   

Mr. High holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master’s degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. Joseph has been and remains active in the communities in which he has lived.  High currently serves on the board of Outward Bound, and is a Trustee of the University of Toledo. 

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2010 sales of $7 billion, is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done.

About Cavoure Advisors

Cavoure Advisors is a senior level, retained executive search firm based in Chicago, Illinois. Cavoure emphasizes value creation for its clients, extraordinary levels of quality and client service, and a thoughtful, consultative approach. The firm focuses on the recruitment of board directors, chief executive officers, general managers, and senior functional leaders in finance, supply chain, sales & marketing, information technology and human resources. Cavoure serves a broad range of clients nationwide, with an emphasis on consumer products, industrial products, food, and wholesale distribution.